287 million people live with chronic hepatitis B or C, warns Turkish expert

About 287 million people worldwide are living with chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C, and an estimated 1.3 million deaths occurred in 2024 from liver cirrhosis and cancer linked to these infections. Dr. Özcan Sönmez, associate professor of internal medicine at Atlas University’s Faculty of Medicine, highlighted that viral hepatitis is preventable and treatable, but many remain undiagnosed or lack access to care.

He urged early testing, screening and vaccination, noting that effective vaccines, diagnostic tools, curative treatments for hepatitis C and lifelong therapy for hepatitis B already exist. The 2026 World Hepatitis Day theme, “Hepatitis: Overcome Barriers”, calls for stronger political commitments, sustainable investment and equitable access to prevention, testing, treatment and care worldwide.